tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31897654987363456962017-09-24T01:38:12.181-07:00Overachieving TechnologyThe purpose of this blog is to highlight new technology that is ahead of its time. Technology with purpose and vision. Something that may not necessarily be commonplace or useful now, but may soon be in the future.Joshuahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05123854830929898032noreply@blogger.comBlogger11125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3189765498736345696.post-52611448685304693742012-05-05T13:51:00.000-07:002012-05-05T21:11:16.392-07:00Space travel is possible, but is it worth all the time, money and effort anymore?It was only about a century ago that the first successful airplane was invented. Since then, flight technology has been advancing at an incredible pace. I’m sure that many people before that time didn't believe that flying to outer space would be possible. It might not have even been something that ever crossed their minds. Definitely, times have changed. Space flight has been proven to be possible. Humans landed on the moon. Up-close pictures of the surface of Mars were taken.<br /><a name='more'></a><br />However, as much as people fancy and marvel at the achievements of space flight and enjoy the wonderful discoveries in space, do they really think it is necessary? Travelling to space requires huge investments in the form of time, money, resources and technology. Classifying it as only a hobby may not be enough to justify its costs. There has to be a much greater reason for the expensive and complex project to continue to receive support. I say it is a “hobby” because that is what it initially seemed like. It wasn’t something that seemed that important or essential to the general public, at least in the present.<br /><br />Space programs have long been supported by governments. NASA, for instance, is funded by the United States government. Military agendas are most possibly the main reasons why the governments started supporting these space programs. It was no surprise that space technology accelerated during the Cold War era. As national security is not anymore tied to space dominance at the present, does it still make sense to continue pouring huge amounts of investments to continue travelling around space? Somehow, there actually seems to be some compelling reasons to continue our space pursuits.<br /><br />Just recently, a <a href="http://www.theverge.com/2012/4/24/2971142/planetary-resources-space-robotics-mining-exploration">new space project</a> was announced. <a href="http://www.planetaryresources.com/">Planetary Resources</a>, the company behind the project, plans to mine asteroids in the future. The project is backed by some big name individuals including Larry Page (Co-founder and CEO of Google), Eric Schmidt (Executive Chairman of Google) and director James Cameron. The company’s plan is to build low-cost, computer-controlled spacecraft that can be used for surveying and mining in space. The spacecraft will mine near-Earth asteroids for Platinum, water, metals, minerals and other elements. If things go well, space mining can provide our world with tremendous economic and material benefits. Many resources here on Earth are known to be limited in quantity. In space, these resources are present in <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/04/24/us-space-asteroid-mining-idUSBRE83N06U20120424">"near-infinite quantities"</a>.<br /><br />The potential benefits of space mining seem to justify the investments made towards it. Of course, Planetary Resources and other such space programs risk failing. They may even run into <a href="http://www.popsci.com/technology/article/2012-04/technological-challenges-aside-asteroid-mining-legal">legal troubles</a> regarding the legality of asteroid mining and the ownership of the asteroids. However, the expected returns of space mining seems promising enough to make the project viable enough to attempt. It also helps that the projected cost of launching Planetary Resources’ spacecraft is in the “tens of millions” instead of the usual “hundreds of millions.” &nbsp;If this project is successful, space programs may very well contribute to the world’s fiscal and supply needs rather than just burn through resources like in the past.<br /><br />Another reason to continue space programs is to discover new things in space that can help us. This reason may not be as convincing and the possible benefits may not be as clear as the previous reason, but I think it appropriately defends how space programs are going to be worth it in the long run. Take a look at what launching satellites and spacecraft out of the Earth’s atmosphere brought us. We would not have satellite television and navigation, as well as the weather and environment monitoring like we have now, if no one ever attempted to leave Earth. Also, humans desire to advance and flourish. Therefore, we are not going to be satisfied with living within the confines of Earth alone. Don’t get me wrong, I truly believe that our world is more than enough to sustain all living creatures in it. It is just that we always try to look at more possibilities and the natural progression would lead us to what lies in outer space. No one knows for sure what we may find. It may be a special resource or a new implementation for a technology. It may very well be something that can improve our lives in a significant way.<br /><br />The third reason is to find a new planetary body that humans can potentially live in. There may come a time when living on the Earth is not possible anymore and humans have to migrate somewhere else. Overpopulation may also render it necessary for a portion of the population to move to another planet or other celestial bodies. In the cases mentioned, it would be a good to have an alternate Earth to lean back on. Like the old adage goes, it's better to be safe than sorry. Living outside of the Earth may seem like something you would hear from sci-fi movies or stories but it is actually more likely than it seems. Mars has been shown to support living organisms and was said to be relatively close to the environmental make-up of the Earth, besides the extremely high levels of carbon dioxide in its atmosphere. The possibility is definitely out there. Who knows, maybe even one of the moons of Jupiter or Saturn is human-friendly. We will not find out unless we explore and search through space.<br /><br />All these reasons are compelling. However, I still don’t think space travel can be avoided, with or without these reasons. People will always find ways to do it. The potential gains will just give extra reasons and incentives to pursue space programs. Human have always desired to advance and gain more knowledge in whatever they do. Space pursuits are not going to be an exception to this. I personally think that space exploration is a good idea as long as there are clear and valid goals for it. I am all for progress and advancement. Of course, all these have to be done as safely and as sustainably as possible. I would hate to see humans exploiting the planets and asteroids and then causing permanent damage to them. I truly hope we have learned something from the environmental damages we have caused here on Earth.<br /><br />Sources: <a href="http://www.theverge.com/2012/4/24/2971142/planetary-resources-space-robotics-mining-exploration">The Verge article (1)</a>, <a href="http://www.theverge.com/2012/4/24/2971926/planetary-resources-asteroid-mining-arkyd-spaceship">The Verge article (2)</a>, <a href="http://www.planetaryresources.com/">Planetary Resources</a>, <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/04/24/us-space-asteroid-mining-idUSBRE83N06U20120424">Reuters</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.popsci.com/technology/article/2012-04/technological-challenges-aside-asteroid-mining-legal">Popular Science article</a>, <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2003/feb/06/spaceexploration">The Guardian</a><br /><br />Joshuahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05123854830929898032noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3189765498736345696.post-43896501143612254342012-04-28T22:49:00.002-07:002012-05-05T21:03:02.470-07:00A New Water-Resistant Coating for Electronic Devices is developedDespite the continuous improvements in electronic technology every year, many electronic devices remain to have one glaring weakness. They stop functioning once they become wet. There are some devices that are specifically designed to be water-proof, but there aren’t really many of them. For instance, most cellphones and laptops on sale today aren’t designed to withstand against water seeping in to its circuitry and causing damages.<br /><a name='more'></a><br />Whatever the reasons are why water-resistant electronics are not the standard yet, we know that such resistance is definitely achievable. Many have done it already through varying techniques. A recent attempt is by Daikin Industries from Japan. The company is developing a liquid coating that protects vital electronic parts from water. Below is a video of the technology in action.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://1.gvt0.com/vi/gOAN83Vd_jk/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/gOAN83Vd_jk&fs=1&source=uds" /> <param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /> <embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/gOAN83Vd_jk&fs=1&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object></div><br />The video demonstrates how effective the coating is in protecting the circuit board of the device. Even though the circuit is fully submerged in water, the device continued to function without any problem. As was stated in the video, the coating was developed by dissolving fluoropolymer in fluorinated solvent. The liquid coating itself is indistinguishable from water. It is transparent and colorless. It also seems to flow like water, suggesting that it has a similar viscosity as water. <br /><br />The narrator and the company representative in the video mentioned several key advantages of the fluoride coating. &nbsp;Firstly, it dries as a thin film. This means that the dimensions of the device will virtually be unchanged despite the addition of water-resistant capabilities. Secondly, the coating is eco-friendly and non-flammable. Its low toxicity means that it is not a detriment to the environment. It is also reassuring to know that it won’t cause your device to catch fire as well.<br /><br />Unfortunately, the coating isn’t intended to provide full water-resistance. It was designed to merely increase a device’s resistance to water and moisture damage. It is very possible that the device will be damaged if it is exposed to water for an extended period or if it is submerged in deep water. For light moisture exposure, though, the coating should be very effective.<br /><br />Daikin industries is planning to release the product for commercial use by December this year, so it won’t be too long until it is used for real world applications. This is not good news for those who fear an invasion by autonomous robots in the future. Throwing buckets of water at these violent robots will probably not be a good idea anymore.<br /><br />Source: &nbsp;<a href="http://www.diginfo.tv/v/12-0065-r-en.php">DigInfo TV</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.daikin.com/chm/products/film/index.html">Daikin Industries</a>Joshuahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05123854830929898032noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3189765498736345696.post-91442695718866148132012-04-27T20:46:00.001-07:002012-05-05T21:01:14.508-07:003D Printing: A Look from the Future<i>Disclaimer: This post is intended to be a fictional narrative showing the future possibilities brought about by 3D printing. Hope you enjoy it. </i><br /><br />It is the year 2023. Only a few people have anticipated the real impact of the 3D revolution. As the early computers became more advanced, they were able to eventually display 3D graphics in their screens. People have embraced the concept ever since. Movies popularized stereoscopic 3D. Movies, shows and games that are in 3D made the experience more visually engaging. All of these advances in 3D technology were landmark achievements but none of them has impacted the world as much as 3D printing would. The things 3D printer allowed Michael to do have threatened the manufacturing industry. It is a threat that is destined to have a lasting effect on the industry.<br /><a name='more'></a><br />3D printing’s rise in popularity in the last decade seemed like a natural transition. People were getting more sophisticated and were not satisfied with merely printing flat images. They wanted something that would be better suited to the 3-dimentional world around them. The transition from merely printing flat words and images to being able to print 3D figures of anything imaginable allured many people. Thus 3D printing took off.<br /><br />It had been more than a decade since 3D printing was seen as merely a novel idea and a hobby. You can find 3D printers in most homes now. Michael has one in his home as well. It has become one of those commodities in life, like television and computers, which he seems to not be able to live without these days. People rely on these printers for producing just about anything, from nails for a broken cabinet to a replacement case for a cellphone. There is no need to buy many things in stores anymore. People could simply just create them at home. Therefore, a lot of the manufacturing factories and retail outlets have shut down in the past years. There was very little need to sell basic objects and parts.<br /><br />3D printing has become cheap and reliable enough to be a viable replacement to mass manufacturing. Once a printer unit is purchased, all that are needed are the raw materials to produce the 3D models. Demands for such raw materials are so high that many of the surviving retailers end up selling them. Competition between retailers is pretty stiff. Competition is good for the consumers, though. It leads to lower prices, more innovation and better quality.<br /><br />Michael finds himself using the printer every day. He uses it to fix broken things in his house and to build miniature models of the car prototypes he designs. He doesn’t go out to buy things often, but when he does, it is usually to buy materials for the models he wishes to print and to stock up on food and household cleaning products. There are occasions where he has to buy products that he would otherwise not be able to create with his printer, like clothing and electronic devices. There is one particular store he likes to go to. It is a huge warehouse-like store that exclusively sells raw materials for the 3D printers. It offers all kinds of materials imaginable. The materials come in a variety of properties and the customers can select the combination of properties that they want. Customers can choose the material’s color, texture, strength, and flexibility. Michael has not found himself in a situation where he did not find the exact material he needs in the store.<br /><br />The process Michael undertakes when he creates his miniature car models is pretty simple. It all starts with a blueprint or a prototype. He creates the prototype with a 3D modeling software in his desktop computer. The finished design is then printed on a connected 3D printer. Now all Michael has to do is watch and wait as his design comes to life. The printer forms the object layer by layer, starting from the bottom. The object is built as the materials are added to it a section at a time. It normally takes 30 seconds to 5 minutes for a printing session to be completely done, depending on the size and complexity of the design. Michael’s car designs would usually take about 2 and a half minutes to print due to the high amount of detail he puts into it.<br /><br />Michael, like many people, never imagined that the heart of manufacturing would move to people’s homes. It was only a few years ago that it really hit him and he began to realize that the drastic changes that were happening around the manufacturing industries were going to be long-term. Overall, he feels it was a change for the better. It gave every person the power to create. The key advantage of 3D printing is that it is very versatile. Users can customize the shape, length, and color, to name a few, and produce virtually anything they can imagine.<br /><br />It has become rather cheap to own a 3D printer as well. Michael bought his for around $100. A little over ten years ago, a basic printer would run upwards of $1,000. The lower price definitely helped 3D printers gain widespread adoption. Michael just heard in the news the other day that roughly 90% of the world’s population own or have direct access to 3D printers. As the size and technology of 3D printers increase, more types of things will be able to be created with it. Maybe someday, Michael won’t have to buy a new television anymore. He could just simply print it. He certainly can’t wait for that time to come.<br /><br />Joshuahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05123854830929898032noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3189765498736345696.post-24166643070146062772012-04-21T11:10:00.001-07:002012-04-21T11:36:10.727-07:00Engineers create the “World’s Lightest Material”<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">The human ability and desire to develop ever-smaller material compositions have resulted in yet another milestone. Research engineers from UC Irvine, HRL Laboratories and the California Institute of Technology said that they were able to create a material that they claim is the lightest in the world. Technically, being the lightest means that the material has the smallest mass to volume ratio of anything ever created. In other words, the material has the least weight when compared to the same size of any other material in the world. It is also amazingly sturdy and durable for what is essential a near-weightless material.</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><a name='more'></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-size: large;"><b>I think the image below demonstrates its extraordinary property rather effectively. The material is so light that it doesn’t weigh down on the dandelion as it perches on top of it.</b></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UFBcXo9jqno/T5Lp1dFvduI/AAAAAAAAAVI/iulpSp6kA4w/s1600/Microlattice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="323" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UFBcXo9jqno/T5Lp1dFvduI/AAAAAAAAAVI/iulpSp6kA4w/s400/Microlattice.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #cccccc;"><b>The key to the material’s weight and strength advantage lies in its structure. It is made up of very small hollow metallic tubes arranged in a crisscross pattern. The design leaves a lot of spaces for air between the metal structures. The spaces allow it to be almost weightless but, at the same time, its ordered structure makes it still durable. It is the ordered, lattice design that gives it a strength advantage over other light materials like aerogels, which have random structures.</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #999999;"><b>There are several amazing statistics that go along with such a technological feat. &nbsp;The material is said to be 100 times lighter than a Styrofoam. Styrofoam seems to be nearly weightless already, so you can imagine how light this material is. The inner diameter of the material’s hollow tubes is 1,000 times thinner than a human hair. This gives a perspective of how small of a scale the engineers were working with. The material’s density is 0.9 milligrams per cubic centimeter, making it less dense than aerogels and metallic foams. It is no surprise that the material would be so light since it is composed of 99.99% air and of 0.01% solids. It is no slouch when it comes to sturdiness either. The material is said to retain 98% of its original height when it is compressed for the first time and retains its full shape. Further compression makes very little difference to the height of the material.</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #666666;">The engineers see a lot of uses for the material. They think it can be used in next-generation batteries. The material’s structure makes it a good energy conductor and absorber. Its weight makes it extremely portable. &nbsp;They also think it can be used for thermal insulation and as a spring to absorb unwanted sounds, vibrations and shocks. I think it can also be used in aircrafts as well. Researchers are always looking for lighter and stronger materials to incorporate in airplanes, and this material has those properties. If you need something super light but still sturdy, this material is hard to beat at the moment.&nbsp;</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>Source: <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-15788735">BBC News</a><br /><div><br /></div>Joshuahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05123854830929898032noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3189765498736345696.post-27630157785537317212012-04-15T20:58:00.001-07:002012-04-21T11:37:03.307-07:00Google has unveiled its Augmented Reality Glasses Project<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Just last week, Google finally revealed details on a project it has been working on in its special research department, “Google[x]”. The project is called <i>Project Glass</i>. The project is not a complete surprise to some because it has been <a href="http://9to5google.com/2011/12/19/google-xs-wearable-technology-isnt-an-ipod-nano-but-rather-a-heads-up-display-glasses">rumored about before</a> and was even featured in a <a href="http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/02/21/google-to-sell-terminator-style-glasses-by-years-end/">New York Times blog about two months ago</a>. Now it is confirmed and official. The thought of having glasses that can display information and do things that smartphones can is fascinating. These glasses may become one of those concepts that originally sprouted from science fiction stories and eventually ended up in the real world. Of course, the glasses are still a concept as far as we know and the project is still in the development and testing stage. Google itself is encouraging feedback from people in <a href="https://plus.google.com/111626127367496192147/posts">the project’s Google+ page</a>.<br /><a name='more'></a><br />So what exactly are these glasses and what do they do? &nbsp;In terms of appearance based on Google’s concept images, the glasses don’t look like the ones we typically see today. Instead of covering the majority of the front of the eyes with pairs of glass sheets, the concept glasses appear to be a device with a small translucent screen located on the upper part of one eye. It is held in place by something that looks like a relatively conventional glasses frame. The images below are the concept images released by Google.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gMM-dyM1XRw/T4uJygzgiAI/AAAAAAAAAUk/RfJq4u5rEjw/s1600/glass_photos4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gMM-dyM1XRw/T4uJygzgiAI/AAAAAAAAAUk/RfJq4u5rEjw/s320/glass_photos4.jpg" width="281" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z3O_0GOlNVw/T4uJ4gUwHxI/AAAAAAAAAUs/DzFwqYh3vRw/s1600/glass_photos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z3O_0GOlNVw/T4uJ4gUwHxI/AAAAAAAAAUs/DzFwqYh3vRw/s320/glass_photos.jpg" width="281" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5ZUslSoo1Jg/T4uJ-rmH6II/AAAAAAAAAU0/uDousZlakXY/s1600/glass_photos2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5ZUslSoo1Jg/T4uJ-rmH6II/AAAAAAAAAU0/uDousZlakXY/s320/glass_photos2.jpg" width="281" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>The main features of the glasses are their internet and computing capabilities and the ability to display content on their translucent screens. I think these features open up a lot of possibilities. There is a video highlighting what these glasses may be able to do (or, more appropriately, what they will allow people to do):<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowFullScreen='true' webkitallowfullscreen='true' mozallowfullscreen='true' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/9c6W4CCU9M4?feature=player_embedded' FRAMEBORDER='0' /></div><br />I mentioned that there are so many possibilities for such a device. <b>These are what I think the main uses for the glasses would be (in no particular order):</b><br /><br /><b>1) Getting from here to there </b>– You can find real-time directions to a destination without needing to pull out a cellphone or laptop. This also means avoiding having to constantly glance at your phone or other portable devices.<br /><br /><b>2) Doing instant internet searches</b> – Searching the internet will be quick and instantaneous because the device you are searching with is literally right in front of you. You will search with your voice instead of typing.<br /><br /><b>3) Knowing instantly what you are looking at</b> – The glasses’ scanning and geo-mapping technologies can potentially identify objects (both living and non-living) and places that are in front of you, and display the appropriate information. For things, it may offer a definitions or explanations of what they are. For places, it may tell you the names, the addresses and the services offered in those locations. <br /><br /><b>4) Viewing widgets and apps in a flash</b> - Again, you won't need to pull out your phone. You can view apps right on your glasses, choosing to either keep it displayed within your view or be&nbsp;accessible&nbsp;through a voice command.<br /><br /><b>5) Contacting or messaging people immediately </b>- With just voice inputs, you can begin communications with other people via an internet connection. If somehow the glasses is equipped with cellular capabilities as well, you would be able to make instant phone calls too.<br /><br /><b>6) Taking pictures and videos instantly</b> - What is in front of you can literally be made into a photo or video within seconds. I personally don't know if this would a good thing or not. Nevertheless, it is an interesting possibility.<br /><br />If there is a word that could summarize the glasses’ utility, I think that word is “instant”. Its basic capabilities may not be very different from the present range of smartphones but what gives it the edge is how fast and convenient the users can perform the tasks with it. If done right, these glasses may be able to offer the best and most integrated experiences with tasks like internet search and finding directions.<br /><br />It is true that we don’t know yet if these glasses will prove to be useful or practical for the consumers. However, I am really hoping this catches on because it seems like a very cool and ambitious concept. It also doesn’t hurt that it can potentially make our lives easier and help us perform certain tasks quicker. Of course, we still have to wait and see first if Google can successfully turn their concept into a real product. I am cautiously optimistic we won’t have to wait too long for it, though.<br /><br />Source: <a href="http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/02/21/google-to-sell-terminator-style-glasses-by-years-end/">New York Times blog (1)</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/04/04/google-begins-testing-its-augmented-reality-glasses/">New York Times blog&nbsp;(2)</a>, <a href="http://9to5google.com/2011/12/19/google-xs-wearable-technology-isnt-an-ipod-nano-but-rather-a-heads-up-display-glasses/">9to5 Google</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://plus.google.com/111626127367496192147/posts">Project Glass Google+ page</a><br /><div><br /></div>Joshuahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05123854830929898032noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3189765498736345696.post-20453009700810271922012-04-11T21:32:00.005-07:002012-04-15T21:31:55.118-07:00How to Connect a 3.5 mm Stereo Connector to an RCA ConnectorKeeping with the theme of technology, I will present a tutorial on how to connect a 3.5 mm stereo plug to a RCA cable. As you may know, cables and wires are vital parts of electronic devices. They allow the flow of electricity and data. In case you have any question about what these two connections are, I will quickly explain them. A 3.5 mm stereo connector is an input plug commonly seen in headphones and speakers. Connecting it to a 3.5 mm port will allow headphones or speakers to function as they do and deliver sound.<br /><a name='more'></a><br />This is how it looks like:<br /><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QM_d9uRlbAE/T4UQjpBTL5I/AAAAAAAAASw/1ECi3mBzZPM/s200/earphone_3__39254.jpg" /><br /><div><br />A RCA connector is a cable that forks into three-colored input plugs. The iconic red, white and yellow colors in the plugs are indicators that represent the audio or video function of each of the plug. More of those functions will be discussed later.<br /><br />Below is an image of it:<br /><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nipqG4T946w/T4UQ5P9WX6I/AAAAAAAAAS4/x_D-uOd_xao/s200/RCA3MM-06-SM.jpg" /><br /><br />The task of connecting the two plugs together may seem simple enough, but I think some people may find it useful to have step-by-step instructions on how to do this. Personally, I had experiences in the past where such knowledge would have been very helpful and I could have avoided some errors, like purchasing the wrong adapter. So why do we need to connect the two plugs in the first place? The answer is pretty simple. Devices, like televisions and game consoles, do not always have 3.5 mm ports to plug headphones or speakers to. Many times, these devices output sound through specific ports that can usually be connected with a RCA cable. The RCA cable would then have to be attached to the headphones or speakers through an adapter in order to listen to the sound.<br /><br />Please note that there are several ways to go about connecting the two connectors. This guide is merely one way to do it. These are what you will need:<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Item A</u></b></span><br />3.5 mm stereo plug (connecting to headphones or speakers)<br /><div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Item B</u></b></span><br />RCA connector (connecting to a device like a television or a game console)</div><div><br /></div><div><u><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Item C (adapter)</b></span></u><br />3.5 mm stereo port to RCA port adapter<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pUgnJcS597w/T4URDa_f3vI/AAAAAAAAATA/umWFRj5gKs4/s1600/35c8b3aa_vbattach145901.jpeg"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pUgnJcS597w/T4URDa_f3vI/AAAAAAAAATA/umWFRj5gKs4/s200/35c8b3aa_vbattach145901.jpeg" /></a><br />or</div><div>3.5 mm stereo plug to RCA port adapter and 3.5 mm stereo coupler<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PZF2XUu03-M/T4UROS_mq0I/AAAAAAAAATI/ePqRVfIVAWA/s1600/41151.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PZF2XUu03-M/T4UROS_mq0I/AAAAAAAAATI/ePqRVfIVAWA/s200/41151.jpg" /></a></div><div>+ <br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ahf7A6HfWKM/T4URVqAvRII/AAAAAAAAATQ/U62ITZMAg1M/s1600/AG-3.5-COUPLER.JPG"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ahf7A6HfWKM/T4URVqAvRII/AAAAAAAAATQ/U62ITZMAg1M/s200/AG-3.5-COUPLER.JPG" /></a><br /><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: large;">Instructions:</span></b><br /><br />1) Make sure <b>item B</b> (RCA connector) is connected to the device.</div><div><br /><br />2) Connect <b>item B</b> (RCA connector) to <b>item C</b> (adapter).* To do this, locate the red and white plugs from the RCA cable and connect it to the corresponding red and white ports on the adapter. Red plug on red port. White plug on white port. The yellow plug is for video output and will not be needed in this process.<br /><br /></div><div>*Note that if a&nbsp;3.5 mm plug to RCA port adapter is at hand instead of the other adapter, one end of the 3.5 mm stereo coupler would have to be inserted to the 3.5 mm plug of that adapter.&nbsp;</div><div><br /><br />3) Connect <b>item C</b> (adapter) to<b> item A</b> (3.5 mm stereo plug&nbsp;). This is done by simply inserting the 3.5 mm plug to the 3.5 mm port.</div><div><br /><br />4) Turn on the device and enjoy the sound.<br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>When dealing with electronic devices, compatibility is a recurring issue.&nbsp;It is common to have ports and cables that do not connect. That is why adapters are so essential. There are all kinds of connection standards these days. There are USB connections, VGA&nbsp;connections, DVI&nbsp;connections, S-Video&nbsp;connections, HDMI&nbsp;connections&nbsp;and many more. Fortunately, there are many adapter combinations as well to aid in your connection needs.&nbsp;</div></div>Joshuahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05123854830929898032noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3189765498736345696.post-69393595327666559782012-04-08T21:03:00.000-07:002012-04-13T19:06:35.790-07:00A Response to a Blog Post about “Thought-Controlled Computing”Ross Pomeroy from Newton Blog published a post, <a href="http://www.realclearscience.com/blog/2012/02/thought-controlled-computing.html">"The Potential of Thought-Controlled Computing"</a>, that talks about the possibilities of being able to control computers with thoughts. A company called <i>InteraXon</i> has been working with the technology since 2007. The thought-controlled functions are achieved by using an electroencephalograph (EEG), which records brain activities. A specialized software is then used to identify the alpha wave frequencies and the beta wave frequencies. Alpha waves correlate with relaxation while beta waves correlate with focus and attentiveness. Computational tasks, like turning an electronic light switch on and off, can be achieved by merely focusing and relaxing. Theoretically, this technology can allow a person’s thoughts to control any appliance or device linked to that person’s head.<br /><a name='more'></a><br />The company believes the technology's potential does not end with just controlling devices. They think that it can also be used to better know the self. It can be used to monitor sleep, stress and happiness triggers, and other similar personal indicators.<br /><br />However, the author of the blog is not completely convinced if being able to know one’s mental activity is that valuable or if a thorough understanding of the brain is even possible through the technology. &nbsp;He had many questions.<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">"Will a piece of technology really help you get in touch with your inner self? How in-depth can a brain scanner really get? Can the complexity of human life and human consciousness really be broken down into ones and zeroes? And honestly, do you really want a computer to decipher your brain waves and tell you how stressed you are?"</blockquote>I do agree with the author on these points. I believe there are a lot of questions that have to be answered regarding its use as a way to understand the self and to know what is going on in the brain. The human brain is complicated. I don’t know if trying to figure the brain out will do much. It might just complicate our understanding of the brain further. Also, people's tendency to oversimplifying the brain's processes may result in losses of important details about how the brain works.<br /><br />I also think there are issues concerning the technology’s necessity. At this time, I don’t see how the majority of people would need it and how it would significantly impact their lives. There is also the concern that dependency on thoughts to manipulate the surroundings will mess with the mind’s ability to distinguish between thoughts and physical actions. Don’t get me wrong. I think this technology has a lot going for it. Like the author, I think it has a lot of potential in the future. I know that great advancements will be made in relation to thought-controlled computing in the years to come. At the present, however, I wouldn't necessarily want to use it or want to see it being integrated into devices around me just yet.<br /><br />Source: <a href="http://www.realclearscience.com/blog/2012/02/thought-controlled-computing.html">Newton Blog post</a>Joshuahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05123854830929898032noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3189765498736345696.post-38211858655992046092012-04-02T19:25:00.000-07:002012-04-08T20:17:59.413-07:00Bio-Powered DevicesElectronic devices basically rely on electricity generated from a socket in the wall or an attached battery to power its functions. However, the reliance on these power sources limits them from being ideal for certain situations. These devices won’t be able to work in places where there are no power outlets. It is also inconvenient and sometimes risky to have to keep replacing or recharging the batteries of devices, like electronic implants, which are not within reasonable access. This is where biofuel cells come in.<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-15305579">BBC News published an article online</a> highlighting the recent breakthrough in bio-derived power. A team headed by Dr. Serge Cosnier at the Joseph Fourier University of Grenoble in France developed a device they call biofuel cell. The team has high hopes for it as a power source for medical implants. The device generates electricity merely from glucose and water, substances readily present inside the human body. They are the first in the world to demonstrate a working implant device in a living animal. In this case, they showed it working inside of a rat. This is by no means the first bio-powered device. There have been many efforts made in the past. However, many of those past devices failed to generate enough energy for them to operate reliably.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eggErLhXavM/T3pXH2r1bMI/AAAAAAAAAR8/TVT2TneNsLI/s1600/device.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eggErLhXavM/T3pXH2r1bMI/AAAAAAAAAR8/TVT2TneNsLI/s1600/device.jpg" /></a></div><br />So how exactly does it work? The picture above shows what the device looks like inside. It may just look like a bunch of coils but those are actually compressed enzymes and carbon nanotubes. The mechanism of the device is rather straightforward. It contains two kinds of enzymes. The first kind removes electrons from glucose. The second one adds electrons to molecules of oxygen and hydrogen, in effect forming water. &nbsp;The carbon nanotubes act as conductors of electricity. Basically, between the action of removing and then adding electrons, an electrical current is generated. This electrical current is then used to power the device.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O4fFnFVrkBw/T3pXM5TlTXI/AAAAAAAAASE/N0kxhQWJEew/s1600/coinandcell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O4fFnFVrkBw/T3pXM5TlTXI/AAAAAAAAASE/N0kxhQWJEew/s1600/coinandcell.jpg" /></a></div><br />The image above gives a perspective on the size of the team’s device. This was what was implanted on the rat in their experiment.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CMgONjP6Q6g/T3pXQ_GVHJI/AAAAAAAAASM/CFAA1CNrdhw/s1600/cellbeingstitched.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CMgONjP6Q6g/T3pXQ_GVHJI/AAAAAAAAASM/CFAA1CNrdhw/s1600/cellbeingstitched.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal">The image directly above shows the mesh covering that is used to encase the device. Its purpose is to protect the device from the immune system of the body while still allowing the glucose and water to flow in.&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal">Biofuel cells are seen as sustainable because it can, in theory, keep working indefinitely in environments where glucose and water are present. Because the human body contains abundant amounts of glucose and water, the device will not stop working. Conventional batteries usually use power that is stored within it. When the power runs dry, it stops working.&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">There are many applications for biofuel cells. As was mentioned, it has incredible potential as a power source for medical implants. At the present, implants are powered by batteries. When the batteries are depleted, the device would have to be surgically removed and then replaced. This is often inconvenient and risky for the patients. For instance, a pacemaker, a device that regulates the beating of the heart, would last about 5 years before it has to be replaced. &nbsp;If it was powered by biofuel cells, this won’t be necessary.&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Of course, there are still some more research and advancements to be done before this can become a reality. The team estimates that in a decade or two, a workable implant for people can be created. Until then, there is a lot to look forward to in the future. Such a device will be very beneficial, whether it be for powering implants, for using in places where there are no power outlets, or for other similar functions. I believe that a big revolution in human efficiency and livelihood will happen once bio-sourced power is perfected.&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />Source: <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-15305579">BBC News</a></div></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"></div>Joshuahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05123854830929898032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3189765498736345696.post-6023483940492668212012-03-10T19:09:00.000-08:002012-04-08T20:15:44.495-07:00Bacteria-Killing SurfaceI have always been fascinated by concocted materials that serve special functions. I believe many of them offer priceless benefits to the world. The invention of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vulcanized_rubber">vulcanized rubber</a>, for instance,&nbsp;made it possible for things like tires and shoe soles to have the properties and functions they possess. Recently, there was a report published pertaining to the creation of a bacteria-killing, polymer coating.<br /><a name='more'></a><br />Basically, this coating has two special functions. Its first state allows it to kill the bacteria that comes in contact with it. The material can also switch into a second state that removes the dead bacteria attached to it and prevent new ones from attaching. This "one-two punch"&nbsp;approach&nbsp;to&nbsp;fighting&nbsp;bacterial contact would have many practical applications in the real world. It seems fitting that such a material will one day find its way into clothing fabric. Clothes made of such materials would be the ultimate "clean" attire. This material can also be useful in hospitals rooms where a sterile environment is many times crucial.<br /><br />Unfortunately, this technology isn't without some form of&nbsp;drawbacks. In order for the material to go back to its first state (bacteria-killing) from its second state (bacteria-repelling), a weak acid like vinegar has to be added. That is to say, this material isn't exactly self-sufficient. Nonetheless, this is actually an improvement from where the project was three years ago. Back then, there was no way to switch the material back to the first state. It loses its antibacterial properties after the first encounter with bacteria. There is also the question of whether it is healthy to be devoid of the bacteria around us. There is already the debate about the harm of washing our hands too much on our ability to fight bacterial attacks.<br /><br />Anyways, this is how I would analyze this technology&nbsp;(low-mid-high):<br /><u><br /></u><u>Current utility (mid)</u> - It seems to be very useful but it is hindered by the need to apply weak acids to it in order to regenerate. Also, it is still in its early stage of development (non-commercialized) therefore there is still no way to tell how this material will fare in real world circumstances.<br /><u>Feasibility (unknown)</u>&nbsp;- The cost and practicality of producing such a material is still not known. Either way, I will guess that it will be worth it considering its utility. For now, its feasibility is still pending.<br /><u>Future potential (high)</u> - This material has a lot of potential applications and may someday be ubiquitous as a material for many of the things we use and encounter everyday. It just needs to be developed more into a self-sufficient and low-maintenance material. <br /><u>X-factor (mid)</u>&nbsp;- I know that this type of material is the dream of many people. Imagine being in a time where we won't have to worry about germs and bacteria because they will automatically be taken cared of &nbsp;by the special surfaces around us. The notion of living in that kind of world is just fascinating. Of course, the idea of a bacteria-killing surface or the attempts to create it is not something new. However, there is comfort in knowing that such a thing is actually possible as is shown by the study.<br /><br />Below is an illustration of the bacteria-killing and bacteria-repelling process:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ye-vPQAhiT8/T1wbACP0-kI/AAAAAAAAARw/P4tHai6Boc4/s1600/Bacteria-Killing.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ye-vPQAhiT8/T1wbACP0-kI/AAAAAAAAARw/P4tHai6Boc4/s640/Bacteria-Killing.png" width="490" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />Source: <a href="http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ange.201106466/abstract">Study</a>, <a href="http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20120209-killer-material-shrugs-off-bugs">BBC article</a></span>Joshuahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05123854830929898032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3189765498736345696.post-23317385198211268322012-03-03T11:47:00.003-08:002012-04-08T20:12:02.102-07:00Torus: The PrototypeIt might seem strange that the first technology I am highlighting is not something many would consider a technology, exactly. It isn't even human-made or even a physical thing that you can touch or see. However, I find it really fascinating and think that it can be very useful for the world. Probably now more than ever. Knowledge of it can aid in the advancement of human technology.<br /><a name='more'></a><br />The thing (or concept) I am pertaining to is a Torus. A Torus can be easiest described as a "doughnut" shape. What is important to understand is what the concept of this shape represents. I came across the concept of a Torus from a video I watched in one of my classes. The video talked about how Torus occurs naturally in nature. It can be observed in atoms, on the earth's magnetic field, in the universe, and many other things&nbsp;(or maybe even everything)&nbsp;in between&nbsp;. What is amazing is that this shape serves as an excellent prototype for sustainability. It is said that <a href="http://www.thrivemovement.com/the_code-fundamental_pattern">"a torus is the only energy pattern or dynamic that can sustain itself and is made out of the same substance as its surroundings."</a>&nbsp;When it takes from its environment, it gives back. It is made up of its environment, and the environment is made up of it.<br /><br />I consider a Torus as nature's technological "invention."&nbsp;Nature seems to know many things that we don't. This is why we see a lot of experiments and studies conducted to mimic certain features found in nature or in living creatures - such as studying flight from birds and insects. It makes me wonder why the Torus pattern is not implemented in technology more since it&nbsp;is something that can be observed universally throughout nature. It is so ubiquitous in the natural world that people should not just shrug it off and ignore it. Perhaps nature is trying to tell us something. The knowledge of the Torus is already being implemented in some technology such as in&nbsp;the&nbsp;development of fan and propeller technology.<br /><br />Unlocking the power of the Torus can have incredible implications for technology and mankind as a whole. It could potentially solve some of the energy crisis we face in the present. It may even teach us a thing or too about caring for the earth. People cannot keep on excessively taking resources and polluting the earth and not expect anything drastic to haunt as back later on.<br /><br />You can go to the source link at the bottom of the post for more information.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HWNiB6sh_og/T1G6d4dRm6I/AAAAAAAAARA/gDjMwaLwCMY/s1600/Torus_alone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HWNiB6sh_og/T1G6d4dRm6I/AAAAAAAAARA/gDjMwaLwCMY/s400/Torus_alone.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IU9Sdo1uDUg/T1J0hOiIb1I/AAAAAAAAARI/QMjPTW-h2I4/s1600/WEB_Still_EarthEMF_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IU9Sdo1uDUg/T1J0hOiIb1I/AAAAAAAAARI/QMjPTW-h2I4/s400/WEB_Still_EarthEMF_02.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2cAHAOjiniI/T1J0lYNfiBI/AAAAAAAAARQ/_VK04ALt24M/s1600/WEB_Still_Galaxy_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2cAHAOjiniI/T1J0lYNfiBI/AAAAAAAAARQ/_VK04ALt24M/s400/WEB_Still_Galaxy_02.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Source: <a href="http://www.thrivemovement.com/the_code-fundamental_pattern">Thrive website</a>Joshuahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05123854830929898032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3189765498736345696.post-86588185535275312272012-02-02T22:03:00.000-08:002012-04-08T20:09:50.390-07:00WelcomeWelcome everybody,<br /><br />For the first post, I think it would be good to define what technology is. According to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Technology">Wikipedia</a>, technology is &nbsp;"the making, usage, and knowledge of tools, machines, techniques, crafts, systems or methods of organization in order to solve a problem or perform a specific function." &nbsp;As you can see, "technology" is a very broad term that can pertain to a variety of things and processes. Therefore, this blog would not be limited to featuring only&nbsp;electronic&nbsp;or mechanical devices.<br /><a name='more'></a><br />I think there are a few keywords that are important to know when talking about technology: <b>current</b>&nbsp;<b>utility</b>,<b> feasibility</b>,&nbsp;<b>future&nbsp;potential </b>and <b>x-factor</b>.&nbsp;These points will be the main criteria for assessing the technology.&nbsp;In regards to the "x-factor" criteria, I believe that there is this&nbsp;indescribable factor attributed to technology. A technology with x-factor would be something that seems effortless (not forced) and natural, and has a certain charm to it.<br /><br />By default, the technology that will be featured in this blog will have already stood out in their own way. The criteria will merely be a tool to determine what makes it special. It can also be used to point out the weaknesses of that particular technology. It is very possible that a technology that has tremendous potential be met with really uninspiring utility at the present.<br /><br />As an example, I would like to reference a video I saw a while back. It features a device with practically no purpose at all. This may not be a great example because the device isn't exactly cutting-edge or anything. However, let's pretend for a moment that it is a compelling technology. The device may have promising potential for future applications (again, just pretending here) and is pretty easy to implement in real world situations. A glaring weakness, however, would have to be the lack of utility at its present state. You can see the video of it below:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://2.gvt0.com/vi/Z86V_ICUCD4/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Z86V_ICUCD4&fs=1&source=uds" /> <param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /> <embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Z86V_ICUCD4&fs=1&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is basically the introduction to the blog. There will be more to come. Stay tuned.</div><br /><br /><br />Joshuahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05123854830929898032noreply@blogger.com0